Ho Chi Minh City considers installing 20,000 sidewalk battery-swap cabinets for electric motorbikes

Ho Chi Minh City is weighing proposals to install around 20,000 battery-swap cabinets for electric motorbikes on sidewalks and streetlight poles, as the city accelerates a shift toward cleaner urban transport.

According to the city’s Department of Construction, Great Wealth Company has proposed installing about 10,000 battery-swap cabinets next to existing public streetlight poles. Each cabinet would feature 6–12 battery slots with a capacity of 6–12 kW, drawing power from the existing 220V grid. The systems would be equipped with leakage-protection devices, separate electricity meters and remote monitoring via a 4G network, and would support popular electric motorbike brands such as Honda, Yadea, Yamaha and VinFast.

A second proposal from V-Green would add another 10,000 battery-swap cabinets along roads with sufficiently wide sidewalks. These units would be placed near bus stops, schools, museums and government offices to limit disruption to residential areas. Designated curbside stopping spaces would allow riders to swap batteries without blocking pedestrian traffic.

V-Green said it aims to complete its rollout by the first quarter of 2026, supporting the city’s transition to cleaner transport for more than 400,000 ride-hailing and delivery drivers.

Both companies have committed to funding, operating and maintaining the infrastructure with their own capital, and said they would remove or relocate the cabinets if required by authorities.

City officials say the plan responds to a growing infrastructure gap. Ho Chi Minh City currently has an estimated 100,000 electric motorbikes, but only around 300 fast-charging stations and 50 battery-swap points, far below international benchmarks. As a result, many residents charge vehicles at home or in apartment buildings, raising concerns about electrical safety and fire risks.

Under a draft vehicle emissions control plan, the city expects around 400,000 ride-hailing motorbikes to switch to electric or other green energy by 2029. By 2030, the total number of electric motorbikes could reach 1.2 million, requiring more than 25,000 public charging and battery-swap facilities.

The Department of Construction said installing battery-swap cabinets on sidewalks is both necessary and appropriate, and has recommended that city leaders allow the temporary use of sidewalks, streetlight poles and road medians for the rollout. Relevant agencies would coordinate site selection, permitting, fee collection and safety measures, while ensuring traffic flow, fire prevention and urban aesthetics are maintained.

By Giang Anh – VnExpress.net – December 16, 2025